KIU Western Campus - Kampala International University (KIU), Western Campus, held her maiden public lecture series on Friday, May 23, 2025 under the theme “Bisphenol-A and Phthalates: Public Health Threats, Metabolic Disruptions, and Nutraceutical-Based Mitigation Strategies.” The event attracted university staff, students, researchers, and health experts and was held in the Staff Common Room from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The public lecture was delivered by Professor Patrick Maduabuchi Aja, a distinguished scholar in nutritional biochemistry and nutraceuticals. In his presentation, Prof. Aja offered a compelling exploration of the widespread presence of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalate chemicals commonly found in plastics and their serious implications for metabolic health.

“These compounds, though invisible in our daily lives, are silently contributing to a rise in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even transgenerational health issues,” Prof. Aja warned.

His lecture detailed the biochemical pathways by which these chemicals disrupt insulin signalling, promote oxidative stress, and interfere with hormone receptors. He further explained the promising role of nutraceuticals such as natural products and food-derived substances like polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics in mitigating these health effects.

Discussants Dr. Udom Godswill James, a toxicologist from the School of Pharmacy, and Prof Philippe Mounmbegna offered insights from an environmental toxicology perspective and public health, enriching the conversation with multidisciplinary viewpoints. Their remarks stressed the need for policy enforcement, public education, and further research into safer consumer alternatives.

The event was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Milon Selvam Dennison, who guided the entire session with clarity and academic rigour, ensuring meaningful engagement between the speaker, panelists, and audience throughout the programme.

The Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance & Administration), Dr. Bot Yakubu, who represented the Vice Chancellor, graced the session with opening remarks, emphasising the university’s commitment to research-driven dialogue and public health education.

“This lecture series reflects our goal to make academic knowledge more accessible and impactful to the wider society,” the ADVC (F&A) noted.

The event featured an interactive Q&A session, a presentation of a Certificate of Honour to Prof. Aja, and closed with a vote of thanks by Assoc. Prof. Abubakar Abdulkarim, who commended all contributors and participants for their commitment to academic excellence and public awareness. The programme ended with a group photograph. The event is expected to become a recurring platform for thought leadership at KIU.

Key Takeaways:

• BPA and phthalates are linked to major non-communicable diseases.
• Nutraceuticals offer promising, natural mitigation strategies.
• Global regulatory action and local awareness are urgently needed.
• KIU continues to champion science communication and innovation.